Birdline East Anglia bird news for Norfolk for January 2008
Birdline East Anglia bird news for Norfolk for January 2008
by Robin Chittenden
An adult White-crowned Sparrow was discovered feeding in a back garden in Cley on 3rd. Not recognising the ‘humbug’ headed critter the finders carried out some research and mentioned it to a local birdwatcher. The bird was quickly identified and an action plan was hatched. The various bird tables and feeding stations in the immediate area were repositioned to a driveway that could be viewed from the verge. Helpfully the bird complied, followed the food and showed regularth-31st at least. During its stay it was initially rather secretive furtively popping out for food every now and then, but it soon joined up with the local gang of House Sparrows, so was just as likely to be seen perched up with them in nearby hedges. A collection bucket raised over £5000.00 for a local charitable cause. So if you find a rarity let us know and get your collection box out.
Please view photographs by entering White-crowned Sparrow in the quick search box at http://www.harlequinpictures.co.uk Click on any to enlarge
White-crowned Sparrow is yet another new bird for Norfolk and adds yet another American passerine to the Norfolk list. Who would have thought in the mid-eighties that other US passerines such a Red-breasted Nuthatch, two Black and White Warblers, Lark Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, one or two Dark-eyed Junco(s), Indigo Bunting and Grey-cheeked Thru would be seen in Norfolk? Perhaps the writing was on the wall as far back as 1968 when White-throated Sparrow was found at Herringfleet. Suffolk has also had a few with four Red-eyed Vireo, twoYellow-billed Cuckoo, a White-throated Sparrow an a Lark Sparrow and in Lincolnshire there has been American Redstar, Northern Waterthrush and White-throated Sparrow.
The Great Grey Shrik remained at Roydon Common until 30th and one, perhaps the same, was nearby at Dersingham Bog 2th. Another is wintering in the Grimes Graves and Santon Downham area in the Brecks. Others were at West Beckham th and Burnham Overy Staithe 2th. TheRichard’s Pipi remained wintering at Terrington Marshes until 14th. The only Shorelarks were three at Cley NWT 27th-31st at least The Lapland Buntings were still at Salthouse.
Up to three Lesser Snow Gees were in Norfolk with the Pink-feet. Up to two were seen in various sites in north Norfolk most often atHolkham Freshmarsh and then in fields in that area but also getting tBircham and south of Brancaster Staithe. A Lesser Snow Geese in east Norfolk was seen at various sites including Berney Marshes RSPB 13th-17th.
The number of Ross’s Geese increased to four. All were adult white morph birds and all were associating with the Pink-feet. Up to three were in the area of Docking/Fring/Birchamnd- 16th and on and off at Holkham Freshmarsh throughout the month. Birds were picked out at many sites including Cockthorpe, Amner, Burnham Thorpe and Saxlingha Another was seen between Runham & Stokesby nd and Berney Marshes RSPB 1th and then at Heigham Holmes 1th and Happisburgh 1th-19th. The American population of Ross’s Geese andLesser Snow Geese have both mushroomed in recent years. This and the fact they have turned up with a suitable carrier species means that one can safely deduce that these are wild birds.
A Tundra Bean Gees was south of Brancaster Staithe 5th, two were near Flitcham 6th and up to three were at Welney WWT 8th-27th at least, two near How Hill 11th-13th, four East Ruston 13th, two west of Cockthorpe 14th, two in Happisburgh area 16th-20th, up to four Saxlingham 19th-27th and four Thrigby 25th. TheTaiga Bean Gees were still at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Black Brantswere seen at Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh (up to two), Cockthorpe (up to three 4th), Burnham Overy Staithe, Cley NWT (up to two), Morston, one inland at Hempstead, Langham, Snettisham RSPB and Titchwell RSPB
An exceptionally tame Grey Phalarope was found on some puddles midway between Waxham and Horsey Gap NT 26th-28th. It was still quite a tricky bird to photograph, despite being potentially inches away. Its frantic feeding behaviour means it is hardly ever still. An American Golden Plove was near Welney 21st.
A Great White Egret was still wintering in north Norfolk being seen at Holkham Freshmarsh 7th and Blakeney Harbour 10th at least
A Common Crane was still in the area of Welney WWT until 27th at least being seen there and in fields north-east of Bandon Creek village
A juvenile Rough-legged Buzzardwas at Burnham Norton 27th-28th. The only Waxwings were one at Cromer 9th-25th, one at Cley 11th and up to four Downham Market 19th-20th.
In Norfolk Glaucous Gull was at the Nar Valley fisheries/Blackborough End Tip 5th and one flew past Cley NWT 14th. An Iceland Gul was at Blackborough End Tip 12th and a juvenile flew past Holme 19th.
A Great Northern Dive was in between Scolt Head Island and Burnham Overy Dunes 2nd-23rd
This article was written & compiled by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia. Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings by phoning 09068 700 245
He is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please look at the news page at www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk and view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk
Contact t 01603 633326m 07941333970e robin@harlequinpictures.co.uk
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